Moray’s MSP has given his support to two local women who are part of a choral bid to grasp the Christmas No1 slot in the charts.
Helen Christie and Morna Young are part of the ‘Fishwives Choir’, formed from women from around the UK who have lost loved ones at sea.
Their double A-side single “When the Boat Comes In/Eternal Father” has received strong support including airplay from BBC Radio 2 DJ and television host Chris Evans.
Helen, from Lossiemouth, was married for just eight days when her husband Graeme died at sea in April 2010 while Burghead-born Morna was just five when her father Donnie was lost in April 1989.
The pair were in London earlier this year to play their part in rehearsals and recording of the single, which is currently available for download on Amazon and ITunes.
Main beneficiaries of proceeds from the single will be the Fishermen’s Mission, who were represented by Alec Campbell when the women met with Mr Lochhead in his position as Scottish Fisheries Secretary in Elgin.
Morna said: “It was tremendous fun making this record, and I just hope that lots of people now buy it so we can make as much money as possible for the Fishermen’s Mission.”
Helen added: “A Christmas number one would mean the world to the Fishermen’s Mission – but even if we get into the top 40 it would be amazing.”
Richard Lochhead said that down the centuries families of fishermen waited ashore for their men to return knowing that they were braving the elements to bring food to tables.
He added: “The women behind this superb initiative – many of whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice – deserve our support. Christmas may be a time of celebration but it is also a time for reflection.
“This song is a poignant way to pay tribute to our fishermen, a way of life and a great industry, so I urge the whole of Scotland to get behind them.”